Best State Park Beaches in New Hampshire to Visit to Close Out Summer

How many days have you spent at the beach this summer? I can tell you that it has not been nearly enough time for me. Although the dog days of the season are flying by quickly, I still intend to squeeze in a few more visits to the shore before the weather starts to turn. If you are looking to take advantage of the last few weeks of beach weather, here are five fantastic local state park beaches to visit this season.

1. Wallis Sands State Park - Rye

Rye’s Wallis Sands beach is my favorite state beach in all of New Hampshire. I grew up visiting here and spent many a day soaking up the sun and jumping in the waves. Wallis Sands is a quiet, family-friendly beach where all you have to do is find a good spot to pitch your umbrella, and then you can spend the rest of the day relaxing and playing by the shore. While the beach is relatively quiet, it does have convenient on-site amenities such as showers, a changing room, and a store. The parking lot can fill up quickly, so make sure to reserve a space online in advance.

2. Hampton Beach State Park - Hampton

Hampton Beach in the town of Hampton is considered to be the most popular beach in the state, and for good reason. Besides having over a mile of sandy shore, the beach is known for its lively boardwalk, where you can grab some outstanding fresh seafood, indulge in beachside shopping, and play some of your favorite arcade games. Hampton also has a vibrant music scene. There is live music each night at the Sea Shell Stage, and well-known bands play at the Hampton Ballroom Casino. The beach is also the host of several late summer/early fall festivals, including the highly anticipated annual Seafood Festival, which takes place in early September. Be sure to catch the weekly fireworks display on Wednesday nights. 

3. Jenness State Beach - Rye

Jenness State Beach in Rye is another great end-of-summer destination. Jenness gives off a relaxed vibe and is a popular spot for families and those who seek a tranquil beach experience. Jeness is a great place to swim, surf, fly a kite, or sit back and do nothing at all. There is a bathhouse on-site and limited metered parking spots.

4. Mt. Sunapee State Park - Newbury

A day trip to a sandy lake can be just as much fun as a trip to the ocean. And the plus side is that you can submerge yourself in the warmer water without going numb. Mt. Sunapee is a gorgeous 4,085-acre lake that is a wonderful spot to spend a day. The scenic state park has a beautiful sandy beach where you can swim, rent a boat, or enjoy a picnic. The park also features a playground, hiking trails, and a nearby family campground. There are three lighthouses on the lake, which you can visit via a boat tour.

5. Pawtuckaway State Park - Nottingham

When my family did not want to make the summer trek to the shore, you could find us cooling off in Nottingham’s Pawtuckaway State Park. This lakeside beach is a magnificent place to swim, boat, and hike. There have also been some spectacular bird and wildlife sightings within the park. It is important to note that parking at Pawtuckaway often reaches capacity early in the day, so it is best to arrive as early as possible.

What is your favorite end-of-summer go-to beach in New Hampshire? Do you prefer the ocean or the lake?  Before heading out to the shore, be sure to consult the New Hampshire State Parks website and New Hampshire State Parks Facebook page for information on fees and parking rates, hours of operation, and safety information. Check out our Ultimate Guide to State Parks in New Hampshire for other state park recommendations.